GOP operative backing McAuliffe

Your average Virginia voter won't know the name M. Boyd Marcus Jr., an influential campaign strategist who has worked for Republicans including George Allen, Jim Gilmore and Tom Bliley.

But to political nerds and insiders the name carries weight.

And so this morning, it was to some people's surprise, that Marcus -- half of Richmond's Marcus & Allen political consulting shop -- crossed sides to endorse Terry McAuliffe, and to indicate his feeling that Republican nominee, Ken Cuccinelli is too polarizing of a figure.

“I’ve never before supported any Democrat, but this election Terry is the clear choice for mainstream conservatives," Marcus said, in a news release issued by the McAuliffe campaign.

"Virginia needs an experienced businessman who will put the practical needs of our people ahead of political ideology," Marcus said.

Marcus assisted in Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling's unsuccessful candidacy last year, which was cut short after Cuccinelli backers pushed to get the contest decided at a state convention -- typically low-turnout affair where conservatives have a greater influence than they would in a primary.

Bolling has not endorsed in the race, so far, and has been critical of the negative attacks that have dominated the campaign narratives on both sides.

Whether Marcus' endorsement is heartfelt or political payback, it will send at least a few ripples through the race.

Bob Lewis at the Associated Press first reported Marcus' endorsement. He also wrote that Ray Allen Jr. was buying out Marcus' shares in the company they founded together in 1996.